Tangy crispy meyer lemon broccolini is a simple one pot wonder, it makes a solid healthy side to any dinner or lunch!

At Avdaye, we add lots of tips in all of our recipes – because we are a home cook without any formal training, and we find we are more confident making dishes when we understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. Our goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

Tangy good Lemon Meyer Lemon Broccolini

Meyer lemon broccolini is a delightful and flavorful dish that has gained popularity for its unique combination of tastes and textures. What sets Meyer lemon apart is its distinct flavor profile; it's sweeter and less acidic than regular lemons, with a fragrant, slightly floral aroma. When these lemons are paired with broccolini, a tender and milder cousin of broccoli, the result is a culinary delight. The broccolini, with its long, slender stalks and delicate, floret heads, offers a pleasing crunch and a slightly peppery taste. This harmonious blend of the sweet and tangy Meyer lemon and the earthy, crisp broccolini creates a dish that is not a treat for the palate but also visually appealing with its vibrant green hues and bright lemony accents.

The deliciousness of Meyer lemon broccolini lies in its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a favorite among both home cooks and professional chefs. It can be sautéed with a drizzle of olive oil, allowing the natural flavors of the broccolini to shine through, accentuated by the bright, citrusy notes of the Meyer lemon. Alternatively, it can be elevated with additional ingredients like garlic, chili flakes, or parmesan cheese, each addition lending a new layer of flavor and texture. This dish can be a refreshing side to a hearty meat course, a vibrant addition to a pasta dish, or even the star of the show when topped with toasted nuts or crumbled feta. Its combination of flavors — the sweet and tangy lemon with the green, earthy broccolini — makes every bite a delightful experience, offering a solid balance that is both satisfying and light.

Kitchen notes

Make it Paleo. We are calling for dry vermouth. We keep a big bottle of dry vermouth on hand because we love to cook vegetables in it. If you are paleo, or have dietary restrictions, you can use stock.

To make it alcohol free. If you'd like the dry, wine-like taste instead of vermouth without actually adding alcohol, you could add a little ginger ale.

A few answers

How do we store leftovers?

Leftovers can be put in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave.

What's the best way to use leftovers?

We enjoy putting leftovers over our lunch salad the next day. We don't even heat them up first.

Good Main Dishes to enjoy with Broccolini

Meyer lemon broccolini is a flavorful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of accompaniments. Here's a list of things that pair well with it:

Grilled Chicken or Fish: The citrus flavor of Meyer lemon complements grilled chicken or fish beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.

Roasted Potatoes: Serve with roasted or smashed potatoes seasoned with herbs for a hearty and satisfying meal.

Quinoa or Couscous: A light and fluffy grain like quinoa or couscous can absorb the flavors and make for a balanced dish.

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a fresh and crisp element to your meal.

Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pine nuts on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

Pasta: Toss Meyer lemon broccolini with your favorite pasta, olive oil, and parmesan cheese for a quick and good meal.

Risotto: Creamy risotto pairs well with the tangy and slightly sweet flavors of Meyer lemon broccolini.

Sourdough Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up any extra sauce.

White Wine: A glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the citrus notes perfectly.

Lemon Aioli: For an extra lemony kick, serve with a side of lemon aioli for dipping or drizzling.

Meyer Lemon Broccolini Recipe

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Ingredients

1 small package, about 12-15 individual spears
2 tbsp ghee, butter, or olive oil
1 meyer lemon, sliced thin
¼ cup dry vermouth*
salt, pepper to taste

Method

Heat your cast iron on medium heat until warm.
Add oil/butter and heat until melted or shimmery, a few seconds.
Toss broccolini in pan on medium high heat until it starts to soften and brown- about 5 minutes.
Salt and pepper liberally, add lemon slices- continue sauteeing while occasionally tossing to prevent from burning another 5 minutes.
Carefully add vermouth (there will be a large WOOSH of steam when adding liquid to the pan- be safe!) and heat, occasionally tossing vegetables to ensure they dont burn.
When vermouth has cooked off, remove from stove and plate.
Serve hot and enjoy.